The best bars and cafés Dubai

Perched on the ^52nd floor of the Marriott Harbour Hotel, The Observatory offers a breathtaking view of Palm Jumeirah. To get the most out of it, it's best to get there before the sun goes down, and honestly, if skydiving doesn't tempt you or a helicopter flight is too expensive for you, let yourself be tempted by this place, which is one of the only ones that allows you to observe the Palm and the buildings around it, as well as the Marina district. You won't regret it, even if the smell of cold cigarettes can be a little disturbing to the nostrils.

Arabian tea house has been open since 1997 and offers a 100% authentic Emirati break. You're bound to love taking a break here. Located in the historic Al Fahidi district, its shady terrace is a popular spot for Emiratis who like to get back to their roots. The minty lemonade is a delight, and don't hesitate to try the camel milk, renowned for its concentrated vitamins: you can enjoy it as is or as an ice cream. It's a truly charming and endearing café!

As if suspended above the busy Sheikh Zayed Road, the terrace bar on the ^43rd floor of Four Points by Sheraton offers guests 360° views of the city and its skyscrapers. With no fuss or muss, this is a quiet place to come for a drink, comfortably seated in soft armchairs, before dining in one of Downtown's many restaurants. You'll be able to take some great photos of the skyscrapers.

The Buddha Bar, invented in Paris just after the Barfly by Raymond Visan, and its tintino-zen maze décor under red chandeliers, is also in Dubai where it offers a superb view of the marina via large bay windows. Oriental atmosphere, a bit ethereal, prolonged by very good cocktails. As far as the clientele is concerned, it's flash-bimbo and hype lovers will not be disappointed. Address still in sight in this district after several years of opening, which triggers the arrival of sensational DJs. You are sure to find always people.

This bar located on the ^44th floor of the hotel offers a superb 360 degree view of the lights of the Marina, the skyscrapers. In a cozy atmosphere, you feel like you are in a private lounge surrounded by black and white photos, sitting in club chairs, with animal skin cushions, Old England atmosphere. Choose from an amazing range of champagnes, cocktails and over 100 whiskies. We go there for a quiet and muffled atmosphere to have a last drink. It is also an excellent choice for a tête-à-tête.

Very popular all year round. We appreciate the terrace, especially in winter, because the brumisateurs in summer are not always pleasant to bear. The staff were friendly and helpful.

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It hadn't been done before, so it had to be invented: a pontoon gracefully languishing on the waves, allowing you to climb the gangways right up to the covered pavilion; 20 seconds between boat and armchair, sea and bar. Dock at night for a memorable evening, without even waiting for the precious Mediterranean tapas... The 101 is much more than a concept for fashionistas, of which there are many, but rather a highly successful and unusual blend of yachting and fooding. One of Dubai's most exclusive bars.

Two levels below the public observation platform, the Lounge offers a few armchairs for an early-morning drink or coffee. Our verdict: at such a height, unless you're glued to the glass with binoculars, you can't see anything clearly. But you're in the highest restaurant-bar on the planet, so for that reason alone, how could you not go for a drink? And if you can't get a ticket to the top, making a reservation for a coffee or a drink is an alternative away from the crowds. Reservations required.

At the heart of the Park Hyatt lies this Middle Eastern lounge on the banks of the Creek, illuminated by the yachts. As the sun sets, you can enjoy the intense fusion of nature and chic on the terrace while smoking a hookah. It's a little detour that's well worth taking after an intense day in old Dubai, wandering through the souks and neighborhoods of Shindagha and Al Fahidi. Just take a cab and you'll be there in a quarter of an hour. Small mezze menu.

On the 63rd floor of The Address Downtown Hotel, this cocktail bar flirts with vertigo. We love the climb that forces us to change elevators for the last step, and suddenly projects us in front of the spectacle of Burj and his vassals. A slight tingling sensation in our legs as we approach the bays over the deep emptiness, but the space with its Art Deco decoration, architecturized by astonishing pillars encircled by silver rings, immediately calms us down. It is often crowded in this mythical bar of the city. Portioned kitchen for small appetites.

Bateel is a chain of date shops and restaurants well known throughout the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf countries. Bateel is located in the heart of Dubai Mall, with a terrace offering a magnificent view of the Burj Khalifa. At midday on weekdays, the café is full and the atmosphere is very pleasant. On the sweet menu, we recommend the date-based specialties for which the brand is famous. You'll be pleasantly surprised. It's also a great place to buy tasty gifts.

The café, located in the inner courtyard of the Alserkal Cultural Foundation, amidst the arches of the restored house and surrounded by exhibition rooms, is a little gem of coolness and creative energy in which to take a break between visits to the historic buildings of the Al-Fahidi district. For those in need of fresh air, the rooftop terrace, amidst the wind towers, is just as fashionably decorated as the first floor. Here, you can enjoy a coffee, a smoothie or a virgin Mojito.

Overlooking the Creek, in the yacht club, Cielo, with its all-white and blue decor, is reminiscent of the Balearic Islands. The chic rooftop is as much a place to watch the sun set over the waters of the Creek and the city in the distance, as it is a place to sway to fashionable rhythms after dinner (in one of the yacht club restaurants nearby, for example). A veritable temple to the Spanish party, Cielo serves tasty tapas and cocktails with Mediterranean names. Worth the trip!

As its name suggests, Le Rosé Lounge at Cove Beach has made rosé wine its star. The place is beautiful, at the very end of BlueWaters Island, nestled within Caesars Palace. That's where the sun goes down, not far away, so we recommend it for a late-afternoon drink, preferably on weekdays to avoid the (large) bimbo crowds on weekends. While the skyscrapers are just behind us, the view of this magnificent beach and the Arabian Gulf is unreal. If you're a fan, Wednesday is rosé all day long.

In this restaurant on the rooftop of the Oberoi Hotel in the Business Bay area, there is a lounge offering beautiful cocktails, live music on Mondays and a superb ladies night on Wednesdays. It is best to book in advance to ensure a seat on the Terrace. DJ, good music, beautiful view of Downtown and the Burj Khalifa. Then smoking a Shisha while enjoying one of their famous cocktails like the Tamarindo Shrub is a delight. As in all the trendy places in the city, sophistication in dress is the order of the day.

Set within the grounds of the beautiful guesthouse of the same name and in the historic district of Shindagha, this place enjoys splendid views of the Creek, which can be admired by sitting directly on the pedestrian promenade. The name Barjeel translates as wind tower, an architectural symbol of the whole neighbourhood. The café is well sheltered from the sun during the afternoon and you can enjoy a fresh fruit juice or a coffee, why not accompanied by some hummus and Arabic bread. The perfect place to let yourself go for a stroll.